Leeds has missed out on a potential multi-million pound windfall for its economy after the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament was awarded to Russia.
Leeds had successfully been included in the England bid to host the tournament after submitting a bid for Elland Road and other facilities in the city region to be considered by FIFA as venues for the tournament.
England faced competition from Belgium and the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal and Russia to be awarded the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Councillor Adam Ogilvie, Leeds council's executive member for leisure, Shaun Harvey, the chief executive of Leeds United, Simon Grayson the Leeds United manager, and former players Eddie Gray and Peter Lorimer gathered with other invited guests at Elland Road for the announcement.
Councillor Adam Ogilvie, executive board member for leisure, said:
"It's disappointing that Leeds has missed out on the chance to be part of the greatest sports tournament in the world. The bid the Leeds City Region had submitted was fantastic and the England 2018 bid was very strong.
"It would have been a fantastic opportunity for Leeds to stage world cup matches. It would have ensured global coverage for the whole city region and provided a huge economic boost.
"We have the facilities, fans and support to be a host city and I truly believe it is the world's loss that Leeds and this part of Yorkshire will not be involved."
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